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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - Availability of “Crack” in Ireland.

Question:

253 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice if there have been any arrests arising from the possession of or the distribution of the illegal drug known as crack, a cocaine derivative; if so, if charges have been brought; if any prosecutions have resulted; if, in view of the recent seizure of this substance at Dublin Airport, she will make a statement on the position regarding the availability of this substance in Ireland; if her attention has been drawn to the horrendous results of this drug in the US; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have no evidence of "crack" being available in this country. I am aware of the very serious consequences associated with the abuse of this drug in other countries.

The incident which the Deputy refers to at Dublin Airport occurred on 6 December, 1993 and involved the seizure, by Customs officials of a quantity of drugs. The incident was reported in the media as involving the seizure of "crack-cocaine". However, an analysis carried out by the Forensic Science Laboratory found one of the substances in question to be cocaine. In addition, ephedrine tablets were also seized, as were a small quantity of cannabis and ecstasy tablets. A person has been arrested and charged with offences in relation to seizures, arising from the incident.

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